Keeping up with the crowd was nigh impossible. Juke was saintly enough to wait for me, but I could tell by how he clicked his tongue that he was getting annoyed. Or was he getting anxious? I couldn't tell.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyshybRr5c
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxql79daAK
We arrived at the third floor. Another duo split off and the rest of us ascended. My poor stamina gave me difficulty, but I was riding a wave of adrenaline and anticipation I'd never felt before. Each step came and went without me realizing it, and soon enough, the floors whizzed by like a faint image. It was not until the seventh floor that I acknowledged what I saw again.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQURsDkZm4G
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbsekGqJ2D
As it had gone since this started, I arrived last in the room, taking a moment to pant and catch my breath. The floor this time didn't have a straight shot from the entrance to the exit. It resembled the first floor more than anything: a large surface area with a foyer-like zone and branching paths, its size made possible only because there was no hallway transitioning from the stairs.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfH09aPv8F
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97fj6ffBuH
What was truly worrisome, though, was the lack of Bringers.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cyo9BXXaV
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHe7WK1VzSN
Though the floors flashed by, I never failed to keep my eye on the danger that resided in them. Not seeing them right away immediately put me on edge, and judging from the sluggish pace of everyone else, I wasn't alone. The crowd practically prowled the room. Some even checked behind furniture.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1L0R9jHQO
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0CkwkeQC8
A minute passed, and the foyer was pronounced empty. The crowd left the zone, but I had to shoot one last scanning glance before I followed. They all moved to the left, and moving in tow, I turned the corner.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qZmCYTjdA
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1RczE4Vjq
Though the entrance was similar to the first floor's, the primary chamber was different. Instead of a bulk surrounded by a circling hallway, it was four evenly spaced booths, forming a diamond, on a carpeted floor. The exit was placed stiffly by the topmost box. I noticed it before anyone else, but I was too nervous to point it out. It barely mattered since Pars noted it just a second later.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYyBKKGCi6
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzyfDWAhRu
"Exit's here! Let's roll!"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5uWKsepim
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIoSYl1sMb
I had a perfect line of sight from where I stood. Pars' forge ahead, and the sudden figure that sprung from a blindspot.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVl7VFZOkJ
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPiMABIEVW
Everyone was caught off guard. The figure wore a familiar robe, one I loathed to see. Pars managed to block his leap, but the man had a cylinder resting on his shoulder. He pointed it at him and–238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNOZVI4xhp
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfdE756You
**BOOM**238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡom4Bmtt0o0
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkN64Xn56jt
A cloud of debris burst throughout the room. I closed my eyes in the nick of time, but the dust pricked and pinched at my skin. At least, it felt that way at first, until the squeezes transformed into burns.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwLPLT9iJx
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdK9T1nxaKt
"Ack!"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSDa6d1Mjj
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVDOEaYyn9
I brushed my skin with my hands but it was futile with how thick the cloud was. Too afraid to open my eyes, I moved my feet backward until I collided with something. My back hit the wall, I fell to the ground, and only then did I work up the nerve to see.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoyA6DawcN
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMfIUsjq1X
The room was a catastrophe.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoPQ8zUcBe
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2oR9QARWP
Bodies littered the floor like wilting flowers. The warriors still moved and breathed but they writhed and gasped, clawing at their faces and limbs. The dust cloud was fortunately settling, and in the midst of nigh-cadavers was the robed man, lying on the ground.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwJpGgGOmO
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe22H8ss0Iu
Pars was on him. His coat was seared and his face was scratched, but he still brought down punches as if he suffered no injuries. After a few to the face, the man blocked one and shoved Pars off his body. He got up to the ground fast and assumed a fighting stance.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52H8sHGw6X
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAcNFunGLe
"Everyone," he shouted, "if you can see, help the blinded! Get a move on!"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sJt0vYxUT
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRY09xKLRbT
Through the pressure of the situation, his commanding words resonated with the crowd. People followed his orders to a tee; everyone but me. I stood there, not from terror, but indecision.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbVykKAYkR
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXmM2GKn5q
I was behind the robed man. His backside was perfectly exposed. I was stuck between running or sneaking in a strike. But, once the two started exchanging attacks, I quit my vacillating and propped up my arm, beginning mana expulsion–238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzelbvwJRv
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xHXjODlIs
**STRIKE**238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRuT7yYWHD
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISIeDHscDt
–only to be immediately interrupted.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSELHTvnMmK
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKF1u7695e
A metallic clang blew out and shook my body not because of its ferocity, but because it happened right behind me. I turned my head a second after and saw two clashing swords, forming an x.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuA4yOPexDY
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERKHQE0DuI
"Stop standin' still kid! Move!"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhk2XVoFe4
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjTiypQBu3
Without a second beat, I scurried away. I continued mana expulsion, partially out of instinct, and weakly lobbed a sturdy stone at the swords.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzG1FrK73FZ
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcymkzToeBN
I didn't hit them. They separated, and only then did I see who wielded them. Juke on the right, and another robed man on the left.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2xtpTdtwo
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZBTV32zom
I've seen those navy motifs enough to have them evoke a fighting instinct in me. I quickly regained my composure and got in a stance, taking my tendril out. Juke ran to my side, but he didn't stop.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6lhTgJJSM
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRgmnXmS35
"C'mon!"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0dBtloVWs
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xEyKbWX0d
"--Ah!"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5a9YPdiX8
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoHrEVp4f1
I was quick enough to realize that this wasn't my fight. I turned tail and followed Juke, noticing that I finally wasn't the last to leave.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mQnlUpX7n
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJfZup8H2q
I made no effort to inspect the ones who weren't moving.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIcj2SvYYn
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa86g7kJ87j
–
–
–
What a moron.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nnDXfuvoK
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgj1k3qiAwJ
It was to be expected– it should've been expected. The signs were so obvious that he knocked himself for being so remiss.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERPnXetUqS
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPK4BntXemT
A large room, utterly silent until the decisive moment. An ambush in a guarded building; what a concept, wasn't it?238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6iDGxhQou
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4YGM6CLAN
**THUD**238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOA23HmxnW
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZM6qlh1zb3
"Ngh!"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSit4hRPZA
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAmCRCD44l
That quaking strike brought him out of his scolding. He slid across the floor, biting his lips over his bruised arms.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OA3r6P4TC
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1RzfJkaqS
"That thing on your shoulder's a real blowhard–"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0J2K6VcKK0
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNNUYocPat
Unable to finish his line, forced to roll to the side to avoid a devastating projectile. It shook the room even through the magic-resistant skeleton. He got to his feet and reached into his torn coat, pulling out a single crossbow and shooting.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEhc66kBYe
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLLhWd2EGS
To his surprise, the bolt connected. The Bringer was too slow on his feet to dodge it. It didn't connect with his body, however.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9McUQ3FaS7
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnI3VfvA1ie
"--I should've known!"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLNcTs0G97
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTcRkg8iYY
Instead, the bolt lodged into a plate of wood, one thrown from the side. Pars darted his gaze and saw a second Bringer. They quickly rushed to the first one's side.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONzL5WQAN2
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZI7DZVQkA
"Two against one, huh? I should've expected such dirty play, but–!"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVWf91xAQo
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMb9JIPurD
Pars had a tool in his disposal to even the odds.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixo9E6B4AU
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3e0e7uH20
"DAVE!"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZ7z3CpVja
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRNUKROvCJ
Shouting the name of his colleague, he turned his head this way and that to see where his partner was, making sure to glance back at his enemies occasionally. The Bringers didn't move, but they exchanged looks. Pars understood the meaning even with their faces covered. He ignored that, focusing on his unsuccessful finding of his friend, and so–238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6hOc34tE7
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXT5sZBSOX
"Dave! If you can hear me, I need some help!"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSROSV5BQr
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4lcnwpgWY
He shouted again as he eyed the Bringers. The two got in a fighting stance, brandishing their respective weapons and preparing to dash. But, they didn't.
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3p64Luypnl
It wasn't out of trepidation, of fear or anything of the sort, but because they noticed something Pars didn't. He glanced behind him and spotted the man he'd been looking for.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTyj8Z7tM2
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4r3Qbrpldz
"Dave? How'd you get over there!? I just checked that place!"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡik3EyRSZ6b
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowjOsJ3Gcy
"Shut up, please. From now on, talk only with regards to the battle."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dONkDQB1l
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Gb07MeNwD
He stood up from his crouched position. Pars noticed that he was standing beside a body. It was motionless; completely still in the limbs and the chest. Had he not noticed that, Dave's face would've still given it away.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVntxHLYOv
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBy8b6hEEyh
"...Those are our first casualties–"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDSmrIMt8k
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdc5pV8vDiT
**BOOM**238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqeMe6rNhm
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhR81eG5CPz
As Pars was making his remark, an ear-shattering blast materialized before him. His eyes looked away from the blast, as his head was turned to Dave at that moment. When he jerked back, all he saw was a floating, crumbling piece of pottery.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAPiXmy06C
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlSok7B97Y
"--Shit, I lost my focus! I owe you one!"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXNc1vbmlG
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXgB5ibFqN
Dave slowly strode to his side. He snatched the grains of the pottery, and as he held them in his hand, they shrunk into a pulp of clay he promptly dropped into a sack.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XYPr1Koh3
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMqY7ANSYo
"I'm here now."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nl8y06fjS
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgB9skuLnX
Leaning down and reaching inside the sack, the two warriors now mirrored each other's stances. They glared at Bringers, anticipating a jerk, a dash, a shot or a swing or a slash. All the Bringers did was reciprocate.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzKkzbcNXK
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFr6iK7iVh
The clashing duos stood stock still in the silent room. Maimed by magic, coated in blood, reeking of death. His pounding heartbeat– the only sign he wasn't like corpses. Pars knew that losing would only lead to more.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2tVDo2ZDu
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0s2zAFovC
And thus, he dashed forward, reaching in his coat.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbR4NJKrMF
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMipc5tGaa
–238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHHZHSU4H2
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1jVNNYigV
–238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0PAkOxS0L
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3AE6slsJw
–238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8zuCzIDP7
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GCIAfaWYt
By some force of nature, the two men split to combat their respective opponents. Pars thought of stopping for a second, calling for Dave to help him team up on this one or something of the sort. But Pars knew they didn't have, nor ever could have a relationship like that.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhV78ucaqe
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPu0dCKXJE
He thought it strange that these were his thoughts right before the fight. Pars pushed them aside, but they already left their mark.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOomidWeKuq
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSiZYzH7lez
He drew his knife out of his coat while putting his unloaded crossbow back in. The man he was fighting with was the one with the explosive cylinder, a weapon that succeeded in range just as well as it did in close quarters. But from its size alone, Pars could tell it was unwieldy.
So he flipped his knife in a reverse grip and slashed at the Bringer, who stepped back from the attack. Pars followed with a spin and a kick, but his foot was just short of making contact. The Bringer retaliated with a small dash and a kick of his own, which Pars had to raise his chin to avoid.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqlTDSkU8N
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGKIfAa4j7
He slashed again, a horizontal one this time, and when it missed he tossed his knife to change its direction and slashed again. It missed the Bringer, but it caught his robe. It cut open, revealing what looked to be–238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdltMHbDCiU
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuRemaHfIj
"Armor. Much like the others, huh?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrJegNt6fs
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhbmO5gZUN
The Bringer clicked his tongue and backed away. Pars didn't chase him. He reached inside his coat and took out his second, loaded crossbow. He aimed it at him, which caused the bringer to panic and shield his chest with the cylinder. Pars didn't fire, instead, he began mana expulsion through his hand.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDh66UgIj2i
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZZCidoOBT
The Bringer realized he had been tricked. He raised the cylinder and hoisted it on his shoulder, but by the time he could, Pars had already made his earthly contraption: A vase of stone, latched to his back and connected to his crossbow.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiv7VUJ3pPD
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEyhD3IS71
One loud boom sounded throughout the room. The air around him, now dappled with cinders, guided the blazing arrow right to the Bringer.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdAIcfxOhQ
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSae5SPV0mj
But the Bringer's contraption fired as well.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0e6Kc5PmgY
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oJXeA0G0t
**BOOM**238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvWj8ZSBjJ
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTROGDaEq3
The two projectiles connected, but their crash was closer to the Bringer than to Pars. Still, Pars was forced to step back from the blast, and the now ashen air forced a couple of coughs out of him.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJSdrmruZ7
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtaYu2SIQL
"Pars!"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIaGdpRrKDH
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBA1hcM7IFx
"Huh?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGJgPJ4Oe9
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBD567p6UU
–238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoycjcjWVHz
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0ZJy9ppgh
–238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRtlArEsaw
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxQmMOxXDi
–238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIqUtU8BcM
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4LuAnxK19
It was some kind of instinct, or maybe a habit, the way Dave split from Pars and took up his own opponent. Pars reciprocated, which he appreciated, though Dave had no time nor humility to say as much.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwPWniexfi
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGWmGh0W6T
Had it been up to him, Dave wouldn't be in the Pillar, fighting a circus of lunatics who wore gaudy garments. He'd likely still be in his store, crafting and staring at the pottery on his shelves. Imports wouldn't have come for a few days, but Dave was crafty and spent years on his contingency. He wasn't as proud of his works as those of others, naturally, but it mattered little when it was so fun.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10kgscADCD
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGLRI1bHsL
No, truly, it was that silence that he valued most. That quiet building where nothing but creaking wood and muffled chatter reached his ears, with the occasional customer. It would've been even better in this scenario. The worst he'd have to deal with was a barging Bringer, but his barbed tongue would be enough to deter them. He was sure of it.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HzCiWIsEX
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIE4nUTXoO
Though, as much as he'd like to believe that, he wasn't so stupid.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1xL534BHH
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2NSmmngJd
**CLANG**238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNHCyRhR2a
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGBykCUOTL
Swords clashed and chattered. The other was steel, while dave's was one of clay, but molded and braced with mana. It was still, however, a weapon of clay.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahknNBNodi
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSv6le5sPOe
He looked at his weapon, a coarse curve where the gallant tine used to be and sighed. Had it been him from the past, it wouldn't be such a sorry show. The rigid structure dissolved into a mushy clump. He reached into the sack wrapped around his belt and took more clay, mixing it with the pile in his hand.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvE7jGUjNOZ
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBCzpibN9f
The Bringer gave Dave no easy time doing so. He rushed forward, both hands on his longsword, and swung at Dave. Holding the clay, he threw it forward, and it mutated into a great shield which the sword bounced off of like a ball off the ground. The Bringer staggered, and Dave grabbed the clay, transforming it into a thin battering ram.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6exRYmrhxk
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLs82SNyvi9
**SLAM**238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0KrYd4Q1g
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49NpKn866v
He ran and bashed it into the Bringer's stomach, who let out a breathless retch. Dave kept running, planning to pin the Bringer to the wall, but the bringer grabbed onto the ram and stuck his feet into the ground. Dave's advance was stopped, but that dismayed him little. The pole of clay retracted and morphed into a ball. Dave dug his fingers into it as it hardened, and then he swung it across. The Bringer barely raised his arm quickly enough to block it.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28EgrYrQ96
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnXWYFIbi9
Though, by the way he was sent to the floor, it would be a stretch to call it a block.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhAM7KilUh
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCWpMPKW12
The Bringer tried to get on his feet but kicked him in the chin, sending him rolling. Dave morphed his clay into a sword and approached the Bringer with steady steps. With how much he struggled to stand, Dave was sure that he was done.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTsP1DrBKS
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGlTiQaRmR
But then, the Bringer reached into his robe. A barrage of little knives flew his way, and dave couldn't morph his clay fast enough. He curled up and blocked what he could, and though it missed his vitals–238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnac83fZQkL
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR49NdpAFxq
"Ngh! Shit–!"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxPHCzUI7L
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHIwgcPIXK
A few knives scraped his, and another violently lodged itself into his leg. Dave stood up quickly and attempted to run, aching to finish the still floor-stuck Harbinger.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4tdUgOdIH
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiqJHwWgyx
But then–238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kvHd1dFdK
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2k0xUltihe
**BOOM**238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOrsUUSbGG
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYA9VoOxqc
A ring in his ear followed by an eruption of dust, one that prevented him from seeing his target. Dave clicked his tongue and backed away, paying heed to his impaled limb. Seeing no better alternative–238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjKhjuoYrI
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSq6zYbkXrm
–238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzC178kdjg
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq40jrOFMWm
–238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvorXkZvxJ
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFteCP0SRoO
–238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaXNAuEPlc
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1T33xjaPj
Pars heard Dave's voice through the thick smog. He assumed he wanted to regroup, a prudent decision with the low visibility, but yelling would reveal his location to his opponents. He had to find a way to reconnect, or at the very least, keep his eye out for the Bringers.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4gxm8DdSe
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VedGliUCj
Though it was impossible to see, Pars knew that staying still was a death wish. He dashed back, careful not to go too far to avoid crashing into a wall, then quietly tiptoed around the parameter of the room. Where he was, Pars was out of the clutch of the smoke, but that made seeing inside all the more difficult. However–238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1DmZEpKt6
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkv6OXGfrI7
"Gah–! You scared me!"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybGy2lBkbV
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyR1meISSov
Dave burst from the smoke, exiting it so fiercely it rippled. The smoke began to clear shortly after, and the two men eyed the room for their opponents. A few seconds passed by, then a minute; nowhere to be seen, there was only one possible option.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgjlhzxMC4
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJRAolRUTP
"They're hiding," Dave muttered.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7ClmtiCOJ
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4w5D8agDf3
"Yeah. We're at a good vantage, though. After all–"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMxWAD9E1A
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbjFhTdgmU
"No, this is terrible."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LUL73DtGW
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mTvfwBhrQ
Dave interjected with a rival statement, giving Pars a confused look.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvuP9ocIyJG
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4u98jBYFU
"Of these four boxes, there's no telling which one they're hiding behind. They can wait there all they want and we can't do anything about it. We're the attacking party, after all."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImE4DhMSzX
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqFrkb5nRd
"You're... you're making a good point. Tch!"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9aHbUNryP
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYq4hF5LQ1K
Pars took on a defensive stance, raising his arms and darting his eyes from booth to booth. He looked at Dave for his reaction, but he showed no concern. In fact, he almost looked annoyed.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8R1TGvdppl
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyiMFrt8eJ
"What do we do? I have a suggestion, but–"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZb2UsuN9c
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHdvdZRhkp
"No. No suggestions from you, please."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIt2WGxHPO
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdDrqwPwEw
He put his fingers on his temples. Completely discarding him, closing his eyes, and locking himself within a chamber of thoughts. Pars was permitted no entry, no involvement, and no influence.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSQJzrd86C
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKBty96GXa
It was standard proceedings, as far as Pars was concerned. But something about it, something about this instance, made it utterly insufferable.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5FhqtjOJ4
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvy7BcYXTsR
"Why not, Dave? Why not take a suggestion?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSRZTnX4SK
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrx3pwOEjm
Dave's eyes twitched, but he still held his head.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXX4UDR8GGK
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLgAgs4yeO
"Aren't you and I a team? Aren't we fighting while staking our lives? Fighting the same enemy!?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6V37bHVrH
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9egxhkIEMS
Still, no response.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbN440ppjl
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4XXPXqGfG
"Can't you jerk out the wax from your ears and listen to me for once!? Why are you still being so damn stubborn!? Why are you–"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYlEUWJxae
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYiGvN4b6Tt
"Because you're entirely incompetent."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKADbI2VyId
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OeTlGg7oW
With a low, but stern tone, Pars' rant was cut short.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYAbJymxkf
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPX060tNA7h
"Because people like you care too much for looks. Because people like you want to garner laughs and smiles but yield when the situation demands sincerity. Because people like you can't gauge to save their life. Like a tool, only useful when something pilots you."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32rVzwizb1
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpfJvi8mCS
"..."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5i3koDVZpG
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoC7u7a1tMA
"I can't deny your fighting prowess, but your idiocy makes it all useless. Look at this: your ridiculous need to use two crossbows. Your unsuitable equipment. Your sagging coat. Your dull knife. Your dearth of ammunition. Do you use such bootless tools just because they're flashy? All of this focus on image, and look at what good that's done for us. Look at the position we're in now."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbMYPbPntZ
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdSPEg49Jr
"..."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtxf7wmM8i
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzuTrHTt37
Dave stopped his speech. He sighed and grabbed a chunk of clay from his sack, transforming it into a heavy sword. He took a step forward, but suddenly stopped to look behind him.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0q7VuqYuS
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8dBYoRM9v
"What?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnVQMI1iPA
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AeQrVztC9
Pars was still. He tried to move. Even his mouth would've done, but his lips couldn't open through the spiral of thoughts he'd been thrown into. Dave lost his attention quickly. He turned around and brandished his weapon, and seeing that, Pars gagged the words out of his throat.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpopQ1PIq8l
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9jmbtIXJJ
"...You think I'm doing this only for reputation?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1GpAW0Tja
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkVDwXXEYi
Dave didn't even grant him a nod, but his silence was affirmation enough.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCG3s2JZulD
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡredn8XBHNM
"...I see."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5iCAh5RRA
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnx3t5T38Jl
He assumed a fighting stance yet again. Only, it wasn't held with stride and trust, but with shaking limbs. A pose done only as proof of effort; a pose done for someone else.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dAdvnvqYf
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvuOwJXPwPN
Pars realized how pathetic it was. He dropped it instantly and pinched his nose, releasing a lengthy, laborious sigh. A moment's pause passed and he took a step forward. He grabbed his coat by its collar and slowly took it off, dropping it with a clatter. He balled his hands into a fist and narrowed his eyes at the room before him.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6WRB6e0bz
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIS0xE8OE7V
"Maybe you're right, Dave. My get-up is a little ridiculous. The way I fight is a little strange– who am I kidding, it's plain stupid to someone like you. Maybe something has to change. Not maybe, you're right– something does have to change."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRlcPsouBI
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmC5w8fT18
He reached into his coat. He took out a crossbow, his knife, and his last bolt. He kicked the coat aside and loaded the crossbow. He had a view of all four booths of the room, and angles just wide enough for something to strike them all. He hooked the knife on his belt and held his hand out, spreading his fingers apart. Sparks began to form.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuR0zMzRLb8
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflje1UWC9W
"But what really matters to me, is that I've missed the mark. I know you're especially stuck-up, but it's exactly people like you that I do this for."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zu3DsLCYw
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69gkPKJLVq
A restless, pulsing blaze formed in Pars' palm. He held his arm up and split the flame into four.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPfYN0bDd6
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnkYF2oQxE
"I want to inspire. I want to be adored. I want to calm people down just by being there. A beacon, to signal that everything will be fine. So, if I can't even earn your respect–"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkogKdVmk4E
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczlzc5fGbi
He slid his feet apart, reeling his arm back and aiming at the booths.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Z8pP38NOM
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZTXoWOeC9
"--then there's no hope for my wishes!"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoHZFAB65M
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1YxBrURZH
He flung his arm and the flames followed, striking all four booths and engulfing them. The architecture of the building would snuff the flames out soon, but that didn't matter. Before even the paint burnt off, the Bringers soared like flies. Dave rushed forward, but before attacking, he yelled:238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKQD9JEHiW
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTb5VLpDKXZ
"I'll take the one with the cannon!"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYckxlVi4nM
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRICciXJqtQ
"Alright!"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8x5SnaaYH
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDiHWazcB30
Pars thus ran opposite of Dave. It was strange; they weren't any closer to working together, and yet, Pars felt satisfied. He had a kind of drive that warmed him and a feeling in his chest that told him he had taken the right step.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFzxYjxDgR
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sfat3O8RE
He brandished the crossbow and ran at the Bringer. Pars lost all his worries– he steeled himself, to prove his words, to break through and shine.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qpJYg9KUT
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBTPpivJOa
–238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8wYElQK13
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAH1dJu7vMS
–238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf07rTZOout
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HLkLZG6vh
–238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeShIOzcCYW
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVrvTJ1XqT
He couldn't catch anything from this opponent when he fought the one with the blaster, but a sword-wielding man wasn't a riddle. Pars fought and sparred with dozens of them, so he still approached with brazen moxie. The Bringer, still running from the flames, didn't notice Pars hot on his heels. He took advantage of that; instead of a furious, direct sprint, Pars veered to the side and ran around the Bringer's trajectory. He came to a stop and turned around, brandishing his sword directly behind him, but Pars hid behind the bottommost booth, letting a single eye peer at the Bringer.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxT6cKjIvs6
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRjsE34T6Q
He thought of firing his crossbow but that man was likely more armored than the other. So instead, he began mana expulsion and formed a cluster of earthen spikes. He moved his hand just over the edge of the booth and fired.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUeC61Nr4m
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YNk7SfcOl
The man noticed the spikes instantly, moving to block with his sword. Pars' volley was too vast and quick for success. The spikes tore and scratched at his robes, but none of them wounded or penetrated. A great deal bounced off like the man was of rubber, and the ones that didn't were shallow in their piercing.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMmQuwK8wI
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoULf1Lc9a
Pars clicked his tongue and kicked from his hiding place, charging at the bringer. The bringer didn't challenge his approach but took a stance with his sword in both hands.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXRAEKRPYF
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7iE32OUFt
Even though his dagger was hefty, it would be a sure loser in a clash with that sword. Pars ran his brain with every step, sifting through whatever options he thought of first. A direct approach was dangerous, a contest was out of the question, and Pars had too much skin exposed to dance and stand with limbs.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2OllcS5Om
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7GkW2Gv9b
Thus, he skidded to a stop. He flipped his dagger and jumped back, spinning on a foot and kicking the weapon with the other.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEt8evccXJ3
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3DXcvH1jR
The Bringer jolted, and his surprise netted Pars a successful hit. His eyes widened when he saw the dagger embedded into his shoulder. Shallow as it was, it didn't matter to Pars. After all, such a flashy move managed to–238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cnQkEISyC
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonMgu6SpGT
"--No!"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ48ANSumdX
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HImjE8nnW
He hit himself up the head and bolted toward the bringer. That split second was enough for him to dislodge the knife, and Par's blade was thrown back at him. Its speed was too sudden, so he jerked his head as it whizzed by, chipping his ear and forcing a hiss.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxxdwnTI49
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUqNFzEXOY
Pars continued his approach. The Bringer reacted by reeling his arms back and swinging. It was completely horizontal, leaving no room for a reactive step, but–238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DdDYEhOkV
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYWkCVomRC
"Hyua!"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUR3zskxiD4
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9G7lG2ejM
Pars dove forward to the ground and latched onto the Bringer's foot. The swing naturally missed, but now Pars was stuck in an unsightly position with no easy counter. The bringer violently shook his foot but pars lost the dagger to quiet it down.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPCeoo7d2l
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyC6ce38Y2N
However, he did have another sharp object.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovzL1UPNPM
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPeGyP1FpD
He raised his crossbow and stabbed the bolt into his calf. He pulled it out and did it again. There was resistance, but Pars' quick thrusts pierced through the shoddy leather armoring– an easy weak point, and one he didn't pass to abuse. But Pars' awareness didn't narrow with the opportunity. A few stabs were all he wanted before letting go and rolling aside, missing the hunk of metal that clanged the ground he had just been on.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnDawZte80
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvVYOTNePg
He got to his feet and lunged at the Bringer. Unable to defend, the Bringer dragged his cumbersome sword as he dashed away, but it all played into Pars' plans.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDNsnOWQk0
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSji9r0icW
Gripping the crossbow with both of his hands, he raised it and aimed the bolt at the hooded face. Through the shadow, Pars could see the white from his shrinking pupils. The Bringer jerked to block the bolt, releasing one hand to cover his face– but a bolt never came.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSRnfD28MO
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLKNjnUJmT
Pars lowered the crossbow and freed one hand. It was a foolhardy move with an immediate toll, but in under a second, Pars formed a mass of flames. Irregular in its shape and wavering in its form, he pressed the mass against the stomach of the Bringer. The Bringer only just began to move his covering arm. Pars felt inclined to smirk, but in that split moment, he resisted.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfHWI4SHCv
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpuxu8NSv38
And what came was–238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGDvQKwlyf
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtT7P3Y2Hg
**BOOM**238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEkWbgJLiQ
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbxtH52uKa
The blast seared his vision first. His body launched with violent spins afterward. A swift collision against a hard surface stopped his flight. He let out a leaden groan and rubbed his eyes before opening them again, but the aftermath was much more painless than he expected.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbpt6Z4bru
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mJguTuZvM
Pars stood up. He looked at himself to assess the damage and found his skin black as charcoal. It made him jolt, but a quick shake of the arm revealed that it was a blanket of burnt fabric. He shook his head and returned his attention to the battlefield, but his ashen vision made it difficult to see far. He saw two figures in a duel– likely Dave and the other –but the third was–238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zUObiXYFd
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToDC4qq2BJ
"--oop!"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHRG3Sd3WK
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27jWfGlCdG
Instinct commanded his body to move. He jumped to the side but was still blown away by a furious gust. He stopped himself from rolling, noticing his knife nearby and scampering to grab it. After his snatch, he gave his eyes one more rub and observed the scene.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL21dPfP1on
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5x8vCrQJgH
"You... you're a sick jokester."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgXmF23rNM
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzaU6URhzR
He lost the energy to click his tongue. All he could wage were weak words of wrath. Words that left with ebbing air, the panting of a hog before a gliding spear.
The Bringer from before had their robes charred, revealing a blackened plate of armor that covered his chest. But those details came secondary to his erratic nimbus of wind.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiq3xUd23sk
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZU3GL9FVo
Pars brandished his knife, ready to charge. He had no opportunity to, though. A bend of the knees was followed by a soaring dash. The Bringer turned into an arrow, and. Pars raised his hands to block the damage. But he wasn't hit.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5n7Fm0NP5
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8rB6lwi7Q
A blast of wind erupted from the Bringer that cocked him back and pinned him in the air. His hovering body left Pars' mouth agape, and he had it shut as it was kicked.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9LVOpYddw
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuehRu8fO1v
The kick wasn't strong. It shouldn't have been, because it didn't feel all that painful. But the ferocity by which Pars flew compensated for the painlessness.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcVY4Np9KS
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMXOu4Yuhf
His head bore into the wall. His heartbeat rang in his ears and head, a frenzied demand that Pars responded to only through reflex. He felt a liquid trickle down and down his body, and he didn't have to wipe it off and look to tell it was blood.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aYEvrh6h1
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfCqztyApf
"What the hell... what the hell!?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pwzsNy5nf
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vflCLkud6
His knife locked within his palm, he eyed the Bringer. The nimbus was gone now, but the bringer had a wide and stretched pose and performed expulsion from all possible orifices. Any moment that coat of wind would cover him again, and in that moment he'd be struck with another gusting bomb.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTBXnmXZPr
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSYh5cRgpO
Pars grityed his teeth and wiped his brow. The blood was getting cold. If it was on any longer, he would shiver.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡel88lLLGOu
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuecTOH5YNz
Though, his body took those measures far sooner than it should've.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BM1obGFsh
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTVJ1IvGrl
"...Heh."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ATGkgIXqv
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQXPODjQER
He clicked his tongue and put his blade in the holster, creating a hunk of stone with a handlebar with his free hand. A crummy, clumsy cover– the only thing he could make before that Bringer flew again.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7461WFRTOM
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XoF3enDb6
–
–
–
Dave was pricked by the blazing booths. That heat reached his head like a sucker punch, and like a sucker punch, it was a blow that damaged more than the body. Though, it was clear to him that what was happening inside was irrespective of that.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVqKh3QTT5
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIsLmfViMA
He couldn't pin that feeling down. Not with the time he had, though that troubled him. Time wasn't a problem before for situations like these. What changed now? That feeling seeped through and danced on his skin. It had to be because goosebumps were forming.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEz6ct95NKG
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDlV1phQoC
**THUD**238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAteXxdTdt
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOWpY7iL19
His clay sword clashed with the Bringer's cannon, letting out a clunky sound. The scuffle lasted for a moment until Dave kicked his foot. He struck the Bringer in the leg just hard enough to loosen his grip. Dave won the struggle but reaped no reward; the Bringer merely backed off the moment his weapon gave way.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIP45xs7F09
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VZzhQsZDY
He scoffed at the result. A part of him had hoped that would be the end there, but he knew an opponent Pars struggled with would be no walk in the park.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhTI81AbRx
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBtbPyR351
"Though I have to wonder–"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWjMNNZwUe
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHjLAPl6uW
He closed the gap with a swift dash and thrust his sword. The bringer didn't dodge the strike, but rather, blocked it with his forearm. The sword didn't penetrate– it nearly bounced off.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡReqsxiEzbD
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAQgq5iHTh
The sudden backlash left him wide-eyed and his stance awry. He tried a quick correction. The Bringer shot a cone of earth from his cannon, and Dave moved fast enough to escape with just a graze. But the top of his blade had been caught by the projectile.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFykPPkXQxR
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJF3YbtHCA9
Dave stepped back and disassembled his weapon into simple clay. He tore the pile in half and created a small round shield in one and a spear in the other.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52gCLjA8DD
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpoj2ANg4N
However, after its creation, Dave realized that such a puny shield would only be a liability. Amending it was locked by the advance of the Bringer. Dave acted with his defensive arsenal at first, sticking his shield out and gripping the spear. The Bringer aimed his cannon and fired another drill of earth. Dave contested it with his shield, and though the force pushed him back and tore at his arm it was enough to stop it.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UqPSZzmRc
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLZ164DkK1
The Bringer kept up with his assault. He forewent the cannon and rushed with an earthly dagger. Dave had a moment of perplexion, one that lasted just long enough for the Bringer to aim his launcher yet again. Close enough for it to reach, Dave simply stabbed his spear. But the Bringer stepped to the side and snatched the shaft.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUSkNhZJDU
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftW6XIT35K
With his movements constricted, Dave had an immediate thought: he let go of the spear and bashed the Bringer with his shield. Even with its dent, it was strong enough to shove him away, but by no means did it do any damage.
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcfQFUxmnU
"Irritating...!"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXKAwjn3uz
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4uuG8mjcx
He dissolved the shield and picked up the spear. He grabbed the weapon with both hands, and though he was fixed to rush, he stood still. Dave knew keeping his distance would just give the Bringer more chances to shoot, but this was something he had to spare. Something dawned on him amid that fight, when his spear was caught and his shield became his weapon. It was a question, though when it gained form, it didn't appear as such.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaKvwGZRTe
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlks2IAoYgY
Dave didn't like to use spears.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWqo9703uX
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZVUVh2SVn
"...Haaaaa."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBhXVUN6z4
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBugAzH3sjU
He released a tired sigh. He returned his attention to the Bringer, who naturally took advantage of Dave's pondering and made himself comfortable across the room. Dave charged forth.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9RjLL0BDA
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQGbP1jl62
It was strange of him. Back then, his versatility was the root of his pride. The crux of his proficiency and the agent of his title. An 'Officer,' he was labeled. He retired it long ago.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHb8p9E52x
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJttuHklG5
But, he didn't let his skills lie and rot, and it was precisely for situations like these that he practiced swings and ran around the city. That he made those vases despite thinking himself scanty.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQf40h0OqF
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKt2p5uJcNu
That's what he always told himself, at least.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLA1PrwBgFL
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNE7uYwOoU
**CLASH**
He couldn't help but see a bit of Pars in himself. It wasn't his bravado– goodness, no, it wasn't that. But it was of a similar substance. The root of both his and Pars' bizarre tendencies, an attribute admonished and attacked by Dave.
**CLANG**238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBl7yKwJhM
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBqf2VWIWL
Foolishness. It was plain human foolishness. And though it pained him to confess it, he was as much a practician as anybody else.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fCkKLM52z
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJ6OivxnOW
**CLASH**238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0oaKyQWCaX
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IVj3V7IRv
Dave slid across the room, reeling from a blocked strike delivered by the Bringer's cannon. Though his body was untouched, his muscles twitched from the force. He fixed his stance and steeled his composure. He opened his eyes and gazed at the Bringer, then sprinted while forming a new clay claymore.
**CLANG**238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3k4Lc6WQQ
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2f8FPZILZ
The strokes of his arms, the swings of his blade, the stomps of his feet, and the sting of his wounds. Why was it that all of these, these things– why did they make him feel so much?238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVx7R7h1CRx
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZJUvZGLVN
**CLASH**238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVoG8r3mGU
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltZAP06RQI
Frustration, fervor, fury, ferocity–
**CRASH**238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIS4TRPYkq
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRlHmOJCyb
Adrenaline, adamance, anxiety, anguish–
**CLASH**238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLu1QEn9M7
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCplWSAuCR
His chest was a twister that forever picked new debris.
**CLASH**
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZrLFYCtKN
Confusion–238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWui3d5ctC
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcn2UticF3
**CLANG**238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CgQx9Eop9
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WbpzehliQ
Delusion–238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCWaGi1YXD
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93bE1ZP5rp
**CRASH**238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4z42xDfS9Y
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr50rbC0pq7
All lead to one conclusion:238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyGyaQB6E9
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73kHYzDlYH
**SMASH**238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUuftk7Xnj
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7rpxJqYQR
Followed by the shattering of his blade, Dave rolled across the sullied floor, pushed further by a sudden gust of wind. The blast at that time was too fierce for him to block. He got to his feet, looked at his palm, and wondered if his blade truly was to blame.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGq3YiJr9tE
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GES6rty1J
"...No, of course it isn't."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGmIfWaYQa
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcE8GxFrJwl
Dave had a smirk on his face. But he was a torn man under that expression.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYVekSyS60
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OnEis6fmF
Because, didn't he long for a more peaceful life? Is that not why he made that pottery shop?238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOw7wrQ1aw
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIXA0fe9c1
Then why were these blasts of nostalgia laced with such regret–238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7bbe8H6nB
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUeMLuKweEf
**THUD**238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClst8t8LgF
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUx5SsdfBu
A sudden force hurled Dave out of his muddied mind. He tumbled to the floor, striking his chin against it and prompting a thorough rub. He turned to see what had hit him, and found the coatless body of his teammate–238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBd56IcU60B
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPj8jRo6oG
"Pars!?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUN1JYGzqh
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEzkeSSa7X
"Ack... quiet down. My head's spinning as is."
–
–
–
The two men stood with their backs against each other. They eyed their surroundings, landing their gazes on their debilitating opponents. Dave still ached from the collision, and Pars didn't fare any better, but their stalwart stances still intimidated.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88C3MhBS8H
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBuPKRJ0Du
"How's it on your end," Pars asked, his voice cracking on every consonant. Dave didn't fancy telling of his inner turmoils, so he told of his physical state instead.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPwu1sGcim
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ffvpx2gfm
"Fine, but injured. Their tricks are starting to exhaust me."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8317jzjLw
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnMcXQrekV
"Likewise. When I think I get 'em, they just pull another thing out of their ass."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9sAjPxB79
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfR1AWeKMEe
The Bringers began a steady approach. No flexing of their muscles nor narrowing of their eyes would deter them now; they had to think fast and act just as quickly.
"I'm getting pretty tired of these two, you know."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkcegxMHtQ
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGiPELjbs3F
Dave sternly nodded at Pars' assertion.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBU7a0tlj3
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Rax4iYLQX
"I'm getting tired in general. I've been hit too many times, and I'm not built for battle marathons anyway. We need to finish this fast."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtELgcbC7Bo
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qCWC7qEPn
"What do you propose?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaABqpEqwxe
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbf0EbNMXu
Pars closed his eyes and took a deep breath.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlNCSaobsF
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0QrMMlZMb
The truth was that he had nothing. He was enamored with the idea of cooperating since the beginning of this fight, but he barely had the strength to throw a punch at another person. All this fighting up until now only to prove a point. But Pars realized, in his battered and weary state, that only damaged his performance.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFc5oKqrSaW
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAX8TBlriv
To be competent. To be confident. To be strong. To be a man who inspires others. To be a man who saves the helpless.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpPbLkG7sA
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCevAhXHPY
It seemed like these were all contradictions. Nobody could maintain being that way. His heavy breaths told him so. His failing limbs told him so. It was impossible not to slip into poor habits, to make a fool of oneself, to fall into the mendacious hands of ambition.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPkMJr5qlj
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2ejeETH3w
A part of him knew better, though. But that part was tucked away from the forefront of his mind. And in his weakness, Pars lamented only one thing: his inability to–238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIeOIv5icKk
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBc6jUiYyPX
"Whatever we do, it would be... smart of us to do it together."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWEWtaBQLi
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkWHYd2zag
"--Huh?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6UB9LSH3F
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmhP3Q23sO
"It's loathsome to admit, but you were right. I was stubborn, and I can't refuse to tolerate you this time."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEMc3RaJc4
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsBFyxXdAy
"...Always backhanded, huh."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjmeUcEYdq
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuT1UHYNwv
But Pars muttered that with an idiot's grin. To hear those words, and from that individual, from the person who sent him into such a mess in the first place. It almost made him laugh238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDzA9nMXHQ
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCCZOGal0f
"Just like the old days, huh? Alright, just give me a second."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Wm2ehMigk
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRuQZSJloN
"We likely don't have one."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7XdhhvnXN
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFI8lWaO4k
He locked himself in thought, into a zone of his mind that split his focus and sense of time. He opened his eyes so his instincts could at least defend a surprise attack as he turned the cogs of his brain. He churned and churned and hoped for a bright idea to spawn from it. Something came of it, but–238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1a83fcjLu
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhVnk8As3k
"It's gonna be an uphill battle."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVi1d6jh5Kw
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3995g1ffRM
"So nothing has changed. Go on, spit it out."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpccwtOB1yr
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfi6e1H5QjO
"Well, if you insist."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDnMK4Rgj1
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU024MDKHKj
–
–
–
Dave and Pars reinforced their stances. They moved their retinas to the corners of their sockets and nodded at each other, then swiftly swapped spots.
"Go!"
Pars and Dave burst into sprints, charging at their respective opponents with nothing but their bare hands. The Bringers inched to challenge them but hesitated at the sight of their armlessness. That tiny moment was all that was needed.
Pars' opponent dashed back, but it didn't dodge any attack. Pars never made one. He kept sprinting and sprinting, and his ceaseless charge compelled the Bringer to keep backing away. His opponent eventually got his grip, because he planted his feet and brandished his lethal fists, ready to counter.
But, just short of arm's length, Pars lunged forward and tackled the Bringer. But not to the ground, because he made damn well sure he kept a foot on the floor. His right foot as an axis, he spun his body and released the Bringer.
The Bringer flew just a few feet away. He was completely unharmed, and only more cautious now. He dashed forward to hit Pars and struck him directly in the stomach.
"..."
His looming silence professed his query. Pars answered by grasping his arms, and with a toothy smile that leaked bile through its gaps–
"Gotcha."
**BOOM**
–A great gust of wind erupted from his palms.
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMn8ADDHWm
The bringer soared, rendered a bird by the speed that he flew. His attitude never decreased, he only moved further and further and further, completely opposite of Pars' direction.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPSebRi0pY
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvI6AlioQet
There, Dave sprinted from his pursuing enemy. His speed just outpaced the Bringer's own, a fact made possible only by his lighter baggage. He clutched his clay in one hand and shielded it with the other, darting his eyes behind him every other second to make sure he was at a comfortable distance from the Bringer.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhP2MM04DhL
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnDuvB7U2b
And then, that's when he heard the explosion. All of a sudden, Dave skidded to a stop and spun around to face his adversary. The motion confused and intimidated his opponent, who slowed down initially. But he saw how Dave still hadn't conjured a weapon and quickly returned to his blitzing pace–238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFKiwXWmEN
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAxTRSyYvw
**THUD**238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZGhe3AvoT
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfSpTW3vq5
And then it came to a halt. Or rather, it was a boost. After all, this burst of speed was impossible by ordinary, human means. A feat that made it appear as if Dave was being pulled toward him. But this speed came with a blast, and truly, what good would it do if it meant his feet dislodged from the floor?238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMj96ezfewW
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcWTD8I7sy
"--!"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTxN4AHCFk
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzNo8RPtfd
The two Bringers tumbled towards Dave. Dangerous dashing, utter discombobulation. The Bringer's heads hadn't moved an inch, yet it felt like they were closer to the floor than their legs. Flying and flying, but finally, they began to fall.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmCRCO5xq9
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82hjZdUOqs
But then Dave put one foot down in front, and all their dismantled attention unified to that appendage. Dave began mana spinning, forming a tool out of his clay. A lengthy shaft with a pointed head whose tip grew thinner and thinner, because this tool only had one purpose: to impale.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01uCDpsoBn
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkAUFiEStG
Forgoing a spear, forgoing a dagger, and creating a great pole that would pierce even their plated armor. Within a second, their graves had been marked–238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAfBCWm9uh
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vDZXoaqAP
**SPLICE**238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyOsWq2LcO
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HL2RVKvBB
And it was that clay that became their stone.
Dave glared at the Bringers. He couldn't hold them long; his paltry tool was a terrible skewer. He released the two to the ground.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBicQl891b
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡss8cRoQ7Ph
"I missed one."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5cFsAD7Sl
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhXU53PQ8c
He took the end of the shaft and quickly transformed it into a sizable needle, then thrust it directly into the neck of the other. Then for good measure, kicked the two away so their sides touched the floor. Stuck together, bleeding together.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTga8fSRf3P
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡad0hCZQSiC
At that moment, strangely, Dave wondered if they were good friends.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ByZon2eT3
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIp9aGDZxYC
"Hey!"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbScsELbU4
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWulCY3US3R
The voice of Pars roared from his side. He turned his head and saw him clutching his ribs, panting once he came close.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAJRLGIZio
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFW749do9bx
"Nice! You really got them in one hit."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRU3ehkfBFw
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPoW3kGnmJZ
"Of course I did. That was a specialty of mine."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sMZemXtrS
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisELSp9Fej
"Well, it's as you said, rust can make anything dull."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwhpc0rXVY
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFYF7z9bll
"I never said that."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAymBK8D3hu
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYPVOMbJRg
Pars turned away from Dave, looking at the two new corpses on the floor. He had a smile on his face, but it wasn't one wrung from the joy of victory but from the ability to still breathe.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXGjg95Q6u
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnnO7ic3oF
"It looks like working together was all we had to do all along."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNSCOsQBBM
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUIJttzktR
"As if. It was your weakened state that let him underestimate you."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6rcgT9IpL
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTIHn2qSIp
"...Are you saying it wouldn't have worked if I didn't get my ass kicked?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbJweYWlwS
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2PjJpa8lH
To that, Dave merely raised his hands and smirked.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgwhKXYB61
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGW8oppfrb1
"Haaaa. Damn you."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSstoLKgIvr
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfeyHdlV8a1
Pars plummeted to the ground. It was clear that his legs were failing, and all those beatings were catching up to him.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡduzqI590PC
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJLPytAnv9
"They are dead, right?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7nYhGe3fi
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxn31BXXd88
"I pierced one's heart and slit the neck of the other. If you doubt that, you can confirm it yourself."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAsCyB7sXm
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xuXBoDZAc
"I can't muster up the strength to stand. Seriously, I might even pass out."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblFkEH1ssC
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvgA0ApkB2
"I–"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HPeMvyN66
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBugltjXTe
Dave opened his mouth to offer help, but a sudden wave of pain told him that carrying a live body would be practically impossible. So instead, he sat on the floor.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIKBhCX1Re
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGmTnFgKk6
"Huh?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAi5SMPTU4
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXPurXylih
Pars looked at him with a raised eyebrow. David replied with one of his own.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswtJFGuQri
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlGDKr5dUJ
"I thought you would leave the room. Not join me."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwO90psgiFT
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8bnZmcnrd
"And leave you here by your lonesome? Why would I do that, anyway?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYRRjDhKPk
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimwpoDh1Rc
"Well... there's bodies we need to bury now. Or at least tags to be collected."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Z0BFhPVMN
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdnQbtVbYc
"That can wait. I'm too weary and weak anyway."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpnVnNyNZC
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiWvtYRYms
"Oh... yeah, that makes sense."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAavIoX2U9
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpo3cR87DW3
The two men's gazes rested on the bodies of their enemies. It was gruesome, certainly, but their heavy robes hid any trace of their humanity. It was akin to being around a fire rather than a couple of corpses.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCK4fHDuii
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwkBqkMlVt
"Do you think everyone else is fine?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlHmXwX1a3
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzSUg6OgSs
"I don't know about the ones above, but the ones below are likely well. These two were exceptionally difficult."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdMl55YKtY
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPQ5GDoquQ
"Huh? And what about Lola? She took on an entire Harbinger!"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwek6NmKyH
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3B88p2Pxj2
Dave tilted his head and stuck his eyes to the ceiling.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi80PnqXwKQ
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwfsgs0Hfb
"She wouldn't falter so easily. Not in this situation. And I know, because we haven't seen that Harbinger's face yet."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj81rrWpna9
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJsSEIGHMn
"You raise a good point."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fL757t5TD
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEzkSgJ0uF
"But, I must admit that you impressed me, Pars."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNmVbohIoC
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4sbxZNdop
The sudden shift of topic caught Pars by surprise.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsqUitZrcK
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEiq0OUpYP
"H-Huh? Hold on, where's this coming from?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMF28UnHthm
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25eRJbqsB9
"Nowhere but my sincerest thoughts. I didn't think you had it in you to abandon that charade."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HxVvhlyPB
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FDiSCDhJK
"Ha, abandon?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4oklBdzJH
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCeWJo6Jh8
Pars' gaze sternly hardened.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAktEoIv9hg
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfs18n7he8
"I didn't abandon anything. And this isn't a charade! I don't want to be a man who inspires just to get girls or something."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGav1z3tesg
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4WQ1eysPz
"If you were, it was backfiring."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7n9jInLML
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWsEHqWopN
"Harhar. Very funny."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD21J2zdwyC
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsGBGobe3b
Pars rolled his eyes and continued speaking.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7xtG4AvOq
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5Mco4qzEJ
"No. This? This wasn't working, you were right. But I can only give up so much of my attitude. Otherwise, the kids of this city will look at me as just another cranky soldier, and the members of our force won't have any beacons."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQKZRpeJKr
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUA1toXMTX
"Aren't you conceited."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ76tXoGhGj
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GydW2YXBv
"You think it's arrogance?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxJl7mHGyS
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJhLhTB2tD
Pars began to stroke his chin.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjPzTUAQey
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUL8W5WiwK
"I don't see it that way. Greatness inspires, y'know?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEzDXa5r0X
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pLoT0iVd7
"But what you want isn't just greatness."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fQYYy5AqQ
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4e26Kfrqb
"...Yeah, you're right."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdebjPeWo0C
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFfvGL0TRW
Pars slacked his arms and stared blankly at the Bringers.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTADN5WnOKi
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuPWWPTUBZ
"I guess what I want, is to be a hero."
